The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) is the student organization that represents, advocates for, informs, facilitates communications among, and supports graduate students (most students who are seeking a research degree: a Ph.D. or a Masters that is associated with a Ph.D. program).

Whether you are hoping to apply for funding a new project or doing research on trends in research funding, the University and its Libraries have wonderful tools to help you. This workshop begins with an overview of the current marketplace for grants, fellowships and other types of funding. Learn about researching trends and a practical overview of the tools to identify funding sources such as IRIS, SPIN, Grants.gov, Community of Science and the Foundation Directory. This workshop is targeted specifically to those in the social sciences and education.

* Meet representatives from industry, business, government and non-profits--up to 80 companies and organizations are expected to attend.
* Connect with executives and HR recruiters interested in meeting advanced graduate students, postdocs and recent alumni from all academic disciplines considering career options.
* Feel free to bring your business card or résumé and network with employers who have regional, national and international presence.
* Companies with or without immediate job openings have been invited. This is your chance to practice networking skills.

This event is free but registration is required. Space is limited. Registration deadline is April 12 or until we reach capacity.

Sponsors: The Career Development Network Graduate and Professional Student Committee, The Graduate School, Office of the Vice President for Research, Office of Business Relations, Association of Multicultural Scientists (AMS), Postdoctoral Association, Council of Graduate Students (COGS), and the Health Policy and Management Division of the School of Public Health.

All the positions on the COGS Executive Committee (except VP Finance) are up for election at the April 13th General Assembly Meeting. There will be two events on Monday March 28th where you can meet the current Exec, check out the job descriptions, snack on some doughnuts and coffee and chat about any positions you might be interested in running for.

This is a great opportunity to get some insight into what is involved in being on the Executive Committee - hope to see you there!

Grad Student Appreciation week (4/11-4/15) is approaching quickly! We're planning a couple of great events this year. March 12 at 5:30PM we're having a happy hour with Dean Henning Schroeder and other graduate school staff. Location TBA.

Elections for next year's Executive Committee are at the next GA meeting, Wednesday April 13. Nominations should be submitted by e-mailing cogs@umn.edu by noon on April 13; you are free to nominate yourself.

If you're interested in joining next year's exec, join us at one of our two recruiting events March 28 in Saint Paul at 11 am (Saint Paul Student Center Room 202) or Minneapolis (Walter Library Room 101). We'll be serving doughnuts and coffee.